Cups for spillproof container assemblies

ABSTRACT

A spillproof container assembly includes a container body and a lid body that is adapted to be fastened onto the container body by screwing. Both the container body and the lid body are advantageously provided with outwardly extending wing portions for enhancing the grippability of and properly orienting the container assembly for small children. The outwardly extending wing portions of the container body are aligned with the outwardly extending wing portions of the lid body. The lid body is provided with an acoustic waveguide, and sound generating structure is provided in communication with the acoustic waveguide for creating an audible feedback when the lid body has been tightened onto the container body to a predetermined relative position and tightness. The acoustic waveguide further functions as a viewing port that provides a visual feedback so that a user can visually verify the position of the lid body with respect to the container body. In addition, the wing portions of the lid body are designed to slightly interfere with and cam over respective upper platforms on the wing portions of the container body so that a user will be provided with a tactical feedback as a lid body is approaching an optimal amount of tightness with respect to the container body.

This is a nonprovisional of U.S. provisional patent application61/493,132, filed Jun. 3, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of feeding accessories,and more particularly to spillproof container assemblies, such as thosethat can be used as training cups for toddlers.

2. Description of the Related Technology

A wide variety of spillproof container assemblies, such as those thatare used as training cups for toddlers, have been commercially availablefor decades. Such products typically include a container body such as acup or baby bottle and a lid that is constructed and arranged to form aseal with respect to the container body. The lid is provided with anopening to permit controlled passage of fluid from the cup body fordrinking purposes.

In some products, the lid is provided with a valve mechanism that sealsthe opening unless drinking suction is applied to the opening by a user,or that seals the opening until the drinking cup assembly is inverted.In other products, the drinking opening in the lid is unrestricted, buta valve is provided within a second opening in the lid to impede theentry of makeup air into the cup body, except when suction is beingapplied to the drinking opening.

Another type of spillproof container assembly includes a lid that isprovided with an integral flexible straw that is movable between acrimped or folded position in which the lumen of the straw issubstantially closed and an extended position in which the lumen is openthroughout the length of the straw. In the latter position, free passageof fluid is permitted through the straw, enabling a user to drinkthrough the straw. In other products, the lid is provided with anintegral drinking spout that extends upwardly from the rest of the lid.

For purposes of this document, a spill resistant container assemblyshall be considered spillproof. A spill resistant container assembly istypified by an unrestricted opening in the lid that is sized smallenough to limit the amount of fluid that can be spilled if the containerassembly is dropped or inverted.

In most spillproof drinking cup assemblies, the lid and the cup body areprovided with mating helical threads to enable the lid to be securelyfastened onto the cup body by screwing. If the lid is not fully screwedonto the cup body, both leakage of fluid and undesirable entry of makeupair into the cup body can occur. On the other hand, if the lid isovertightened with respect to the cup body, undesirable deformation ofthe threads and sealing surfaces of the product can occur, and the lidcan be a difficult to remove by the consumer. A lid that is difficult toremove because it is too tightly fastened onto the cup body can itselflead to spilling of the contents of the cup body as the user strugglesto remove the lid.

Small children in the age range that typically use training cups do nothave the hand eye coordination of older children or adults. The lidportion of most spillproof drinking cup assemblies that includes thedrinking straw or spout is typically asymmetrical, requiring a smallchild to hold the drinking cup assembly during drinking in anorientation that properly positions the straw or drinking spout withrespect to his or her mouth. It is difficult for many small children tosecurely grip many commercially available training cups while they aredrinking, and to achieve and maintain the optimum orientation fordrinking.

In addition, both the lids and the cup bodies of most commerciallyavailable spillproof cup assemblies are typically substantiallycylindrical in transverse cross-section. They can be difficult for acaregiver to grip during tightening and untightening of the lid onto thecup body, particularly if the article is wet with rinse water orcondensate.

There is therefore a need for a spillproof container assembly thatprovides guidance to consumers as to the proper degree of tighteningbetween the lid and the container body. There is also a need for aspillproof drinking cup assembly that is constructed and arranged tooptimize grippability for both small children and caregivers as well aspromote optimum orientation of the container assembly by a small childduring use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a spillproofcontainer assembly that provides guidance to consumers as to the properdegree of tightening between the lid and the container body.

It is further an object of the invention to provide a spillproofcontainer assembly that is constructed and arranged to optimizegrippability for small children and caregivers, as well as promotingoptimum orientation of the container assembly by a small child duringuse.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a lidfor a spillproof drinking assembly according to a first aspect of theinvention includes an inner surface having at least one thread definedthereon; a rounded main body and a first wing protruding from a firstside of the rounded main body that facilitates gripping of the lid by auser.

A lid for a child's container according to a second aspect of theinvention includes a lid body; securement structure for facilitatingreleasable attachment of the lid body to a container body; a drinkingopening defined in the lid body for permitting the passage of fluidthrough the lid body to a user for purposes of drinking; and an acousticwaveguide defined in the lid body for transmitting a sound to the user.

A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to a third aspect ofthe invention includes a lid body; securement structure for facilitatingreleasable attachment of the lid body to a container body; a drinkingopening defined in the lid body for permitting the passage of fluidthrough the lid body to a user for purposes of drinking; and a viewingport defined in the lid body for viewing a portion of the container bodyin order to verify proper alignment of the lid body and the containerbody when the lid body is being secured to the container body.

A spillproof container assembly according to a fourth aspect of theinvention includes a lid having a generally circular lid main body, afirst lid wing protruding from a first side of the lid main body and asecond lid wing protruding from a second, opposite side of the lid mainbody; and a container having a generally circular container main body, afirst container wing protruding from a first side of the container mainbody and a second container wing protruding from a second, opposite sideof the container main body, and wherein the first lid wing issubstantially aligned with the first container wing, and the second lidwing is substantially aligned with the second container wing.

A spillproof container assembly according to a fifth aspect of theinvention includes a container body having a first mounting thread and avisual indicator provided on an upper surface thereof; a lid body havinga second mounting thread that is adapted to engage the first mountingthread so that the lid body may be fastened to the container body byscrewing, the lid body having a viewing port defined therein; andwherein the lid body and the container body are constructed and arrangedso that the visual indicator is visible through the viewing port whenthe lid body is screwed onto the container body with a predeterminedtightness.

A spillproof container assembly according to a sixth aspect of theinvention includes a container body; a lid body that is constructed andarranged to the fastened to the container body by screwing, the lid bodyhaving an acoustic waveguide defined therein; and structure incommunication with the acoustic waveguide for producing an audiblefeedback when the lid body is screwed onto the container body with apredetermined tightness.

A container for a spillproof drinking assembly according to a seventhaspect of the invention includes a bottom portion; a main body portionhaving an main body, the main body being substantially round as viewedin top plan and a first wing protruding from a first side of the mainbody in order to enhance grippability of the container for a smallchild.

A container for a spillproof drinking assembly according to an eighthaspect of the invention includes a bottom portion; a main body portionhaving an upper portion and a first wing protruding from a first side ofthe upper portion of the main body that has an upper platform definedtherein.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty thatcharacterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in theclaims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a betterunderstanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtainedby its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form afurther part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, inwhich there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spillproof container assembly that isconstructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the spillproof container assemblythat is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the spillproof container assemblythat is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the spillproof container assembly that isshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view showing a portion of thespillproof container assembly that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a portion of thespillproof container assembly that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is another fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a portion ofthe spillproof container assembly that is shown FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a container body that isconstructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a spillproof container assemblythat is constructed according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views, and referring inparticular to FIG. 1, a spillproof container assembly 10 that isconstructed according to a first, preferred embodiment of the inventionincludes a lid body 12 that has a generally circular lid main body 14 asviewed in top plan, best seen in FIG. 4.

Lid body 12 includes at least one lid wing that protrudes radiallyoutwardly from a first side of the main body 14. In the preferredembodiment, lid body 12 includes a first lid wing 16 that protrudesradially outwardly from a first side of the lid main body 14, and asecond lid wing 18 that protrudes radially outwardly from a portion ofthe lid main body 14, which is preferably on a second side that isopposite the first side. The lid wings 16, 18 are preferablysubstantially diametrically opposed. Alternatively, the lid wings 16, 18could be positioned so that they are located as if at 2:30 and 9:30 on aclock.

A lid wing by definition forms part of the sidewall of the lid body. Asolid handle that extends outwardly from a lid is not to be considered alid wing for purposes of this document.

Alternatively, the lid body could be fabricated to have just a singlelid wing, or multiple lid wings that may be spaced circumferentiallyabout the outer periphery of the lid body. For example, the lid bodycould have three lid wings that are spaced 120° apart.

The lid body 12 is preferably constructed and arranged to receive aflexible insert 28, which has a makeup air valve 29 integrally formedtherein. The flexible insert 28 is preferably fabricated from a flexiblematerial such as silicone and preferably defines an upstanding drinkingspout 18, which has an opening 20 defined therein that is incommunication with an interior space of the cup assembly 10 that mayhold liquid such as a beverage. In the preferred embodiment, the openingin the lid body 12 for receiving the flexible insert 28 is symmetricalso that the flexible insert 28 can be inserted facing in eitherdirection.

The spillproof drinking cup assembly 10 further includes a containerbody, which in the preferred embodiment is a cup body 22 having agenerally circular main body 23, as may be seen in FIG. 5. The cup body22 is also shown in perspective without the lid body 12 in FIG. 11.Alternatively, the container body could be a baby bottle, bowl, snacktrap or any other type of container that is constructed and arranged toreceive a lid. Preferably, cup body 22 has a volumetric capacity that isless than about 30 ounces, more preferably less than about 20 ounces andmost preferably less than about 12 ounces.

Cup body 22 includes at least one container wing or cup wing thatprotrudes radially outwardly from a first side of the cup main body 23,which enables a consumer to grip and exert torque on the cup body 22during tightening and untightening of the lid body 12. In the preferredembodiment, the cup body 22 includes a first cup wing 24 that protrudesradially outwardly from a first side of the cup main body 23 and asecond cup wing 26 that protrudes radially outwardly from a second,opposite side of the cup main body 23. The respective cup wings 24, 26both preferably form part of the upper surface of the cup body 22. Thecup wings 24, 26 are preferably substantially diametrically opposed, butcould be positioned so that they are not diametrically opposed, such asif they were located at 2:30 and 9:30 on a clock.

For purposes of this document, a cup wing shall be considered to beintegral with and form part of the interior of the sidewall of thecontainer that contains beverage or other fluid therein. For example, anexternal accessory such as a solid handle shall not be considered a cupwing for purposes of this document.

Alternatively, the container body could be provided with a singlecontainer wing, or multiple container wings. By grasping the wings onthe lid and the container body, a user is able to more convenientlyexert relative torque between the lid and the cup body in order totighten and untighten the lid onto the cup.

The container body could be embodied within the ambit of the inventionas a container other than a cup, such as a baby bottle or a bowl.

Each of the cup wings 24, 26 is preferably tapered so as to decrease inwidth as viewed in top plan as it extends away from the generallycircular main body 23. In addition, each cup wing 24, 26 preferably hasa distal surface 27 that is substantially flat. Moreover, as is bestshown in FIG. 3, each of the cup wings 24, 26 preferably is tapered asviewed in side elevation so as to decrease in width from top to bottom.

Both the lid body 12 and the cup body 22 are preferably fabricated froma plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or high-densitypolyethylene using a process such as injection molding.

As may best be seen in FIG. 5, the lid body 12 is constructed andarranged to be screwed onto the cup body 22. In order to enable this, atleast one helical lid thread 62 is provided on an inner circumferentialsurface of the lid body 12, which mates with at least one helical cupthread 64 that is defined on an outer circumferential surface of thecircular main body 23 of the cup body 22.

Preferably, the first lid wing 16 is substantially aligned with thefirst cup wing 24 and the second lid wing 18 is substantially alignedwith the second cup wing 26 when the lid body 12 is screwed onto the cupbody 22 to a predetermined optimum tightness and relative position. Aswill be described in greater detail below, the spillproof drinking cupassembly 10 provides visual, audible and tactical feedback to a user indetermining when the optimum design tightness and position has beenreached between the lid body 12 and the cup body 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the first lid wing 16 has a first viewingport 38 defined therein, and the second lid wing 18 has a second viewingport 40 defined therein. Preferably, a portion of the first cup wing 24is visible through the first viewing port 38 and a portion of the secondcup wing 26 is viewable through the second viewing port 40 when the lidbody 12 has been tightened onto the cup body 22 to the predeterminedoptimum closed position and tightness.

In the preferred embodiment, a visual indicator 72 is provided on aplatform 68 located on an upper portion of the respective cup wing 24,26 that is viewable through the respective viewing port 38, 40.Preferably, the visual indicator 72 is a different color from at least aportion of the surface defining the respective viewing port 38, 40.

As may best be seen in FIG. 11, the platform 68 is preferablysubstantially flat, and is further preferably substantially disposedwithin a plane that is substantially normal to a longitudinal axis ofthe cup body 22. The platform 68 preferably forms part of an uppersurface of the cup body 22. Platform 68 preferably has an area that issubstantially within a range of about 25 mm to about 1000 mm, morepreferably substantially within a range of about 35 mm to about 600 mmand most preferably substantially within a range of about 45 mm to about350 mm.

The first and second lid wings 16, 18 preferably substantiallycorrespond in size and shape, particularly in their extent of radialprojection, to the first and second cup wings 24, 26. Preferably, thefirst and second lid wings 16, 18 are substantially symmetrical to eachother and substantially identical in size and in shape. Similarly, thefirst and second cup wings 24, 26 are preferably substantiallysymmetrical to each other and substantially identical in size and shape.

Referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the first lid wing 16 extendsradially outwardly from the lid main body 14 by a first distance D₁, andthe second lid wing 18 extends radially outwardly from the lid main body14 by a second distance D₂, which is preferably substantially identicalto the first distance D₁. As FIG. 5 shows, the lid body 12 has a maximumlateral dimension D_(MAX), while the cup body 22 has a maximum lateraldimension D_(MAX2).

In the preferred embodiment, a ratio D₁/D_(MAX) of the radial projectionof the lid wing 16 to the maximum lateral extent of the lid body 12 issubstantially within a range of about 0.03 to about 0.25, morepreferably substantially within a range of about 0.04 to about 0.20 andmost preferably substantially within a range of about 0.05 to about0.16.

Each of the lid wings 16, 18 further has a maximum width W_(MAX) asmeasured on its outermost surface, as is best shown FIG. 8. Preferably,a ratio of the maximum width W_(MAX) to the maximum lateral extentD_(MAX) of the lid body 14 is substantially with a range of about 0.3 toabout 0.85, more preferably substantially within a range of about 0.35to about 0.8 and most preferably substantially within a range of about0.4 to about 0.7.

Preferably, as is also shown in FIG. 5, the first cup wing 24 extendsradially outwardly from the cup main body 23 by a third distance D₃,while the second cup wing 26 extends radially outwardly from the cupmain body 23 by a fourth distance D₄, which is preferably substantiallyidentical to the third distance D₃. Preferably, the distances D₃, D₄ arebased are at least substantially about 0.1 inch and more preferably atleast substantially about 0.2 inch.

In the preferred embodiment, a ratio D₃/D_(MAX2) of the radialprojection of the first cup wing 24 to the maximum lateral dimensionD_(MAX2) of the cup body 22 is substantially within a range of about0.03 to about 0.25, more preferably substantially within a range ofabout 0.04 to about 0.20 and most preferably substantially within arange of about 0.05 to about 0.16.

Preferably, the first distance D₁ is substantially the same as the thirddistance D₃, while the second distance D₂ is preferably substantiallythe same as the fourth distance D₄. In other words, the cup wings 24, 26preferably protrude radially to about the same extent as the respectivelid wings 16, 18.

As FIG. 1 shows, indicia 30 may be provided on the lid body 12,preferably on an outer surface of one or more of the lid wings 16, 18,to indicate to a user that tactile, visual and audible feedback isavailable to verify that the lid body 12 has been fully screwed onto thecup body 22. In the preferred embodiment, indicia 30 is embodied as alock icon.

Preferably, the cup body 22 is generally hourglass shaped, having anarrowed waist 32 that is provided with a plurality of gripping ribs 34and an expanded lower portion 36. The cup body 20 to further preferablyhas a textured side panel 46, best visible on FIG. 3, with a pluralityof gripping ribs 38. The textured side panel 46 preferably has anhourglass shape, with an upper end 48 that merges into a lower portionof the respective cup wing 24, 26, a larger lower end 50 and a narrowedcentral portion 52.

Structure 56 for providing audible feedback when the lid body 12 reachesa predetermined position in which it has been optimally positioned andtightened with respect to the cup body 22 is best shown in FIGS. 4 and7-10. In the preferred embodiment, the structure 56 for providingaudible feedback includes a first portion that is defined on at leastone of the lid wings 16, 18 and a second portion that is defined on atleast one of the cup wings 24, 26.

Most preferably, the structure 56 for providing audible feedbackincludes an acoustic waveguide 78 on both of the lid wings 16, 18 thatis defined as part of the respective viewing port 38, 40, and a flexibletab 58 that is cantilevered inwardly into the viewing port 38, 40 froman outboard side 60 of the sidewall defining the respective viewing port38, 40. By connecting the flexible tab 58 to the outboard side 60 asopposed to the inboard side, interruption of the cup threads 64 isavoided.

As FIG. 9 shows, the flexible tab 58 preferably has a horizontal leg 74that has a first length L_(T), and a vertical leg 76 that extendsdownwardly from the horizontal leg 74 and has a height H_(S).Accordingly, the flexible tab 58 is preferably L-shaped. Height H_(S) ispreferably substantially within a range from about 2 mm to about 10 mm,more preferably substantially within a range of about 3 mm to about 9 mmand most preferably substantially within a range of about 4 mm to about7 mm.

The flexible tab 58 is preferably fabricated from a relatively hardplastic material such as polypropylene, ABS, polyvinyl chloride, nylonor polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, the flexible tab 58 has amodulus of elasticity that is substantially within a range of about0.0001 to about 25 GPa, more preferably substantially within a rangeabout 0.0008 to about 18 GPa, and most preferably substantially within arange of about 0.00159 to about 12.1 GPa.

Additionally, flexible tab 58 preferably has a hardness that issubstantially within a range of about 10 to about 150 Rockwell R, morepreferably substantially within a range of about 15 to about 130Rockwell R and most preferably substantially within a range of about 20to about 117 Rockwell R.

The flexible tab 58 is preferably mounted so that it is in acousticcommunication with the respective port 38, 40, and is more preferablypositioned within the respective port 38, 40, which is also the acousticwaveguide 78.

The structure 56 for providing audible feedback further preferablyincludes a snap projection for engaging and temporarily restraining theflexible tab 58 while the lid body moves with respect to the cup body 22toward the predetermined optimum closed position. In the preferredembodiment, the snap projection is embodied as a snap ridge 66 thatprojects upwardly from the raised platform 68 that is located at theuppermost portion of the respective cup wing 24, 26. Alternatively, thesnap projection could be a single or multiple bumps or posts, whichcould work individually or as a group to engage the flexible tab 58.

The snap ridge 66 preferably has a height H_(R) that is substantiallywithin a range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.3 mm, more preferablysubstantially within a range of about 0.3 mm to about 1.2 mm and mostpreferably substantially within a range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.9 mm.

As the lid body 12 approaches the optimal predetermined position andtightness with respect to the cup body 22 as it is being screwed ontothe cup body 22, the lowermost portion of the vertical leg 76 of theflexible tab 58 will travel across the upper surface of the platform 68and engage the snap ridge 66. This causes the flexible tab 58 toflexibly deflect like a leaf spring as the lid body 12 continues to movewith respect to the cup body 22, until the lowermost surface of thevertical leg 76 cams itself over the upper surface of the snap ridge 66.Preferably, the snap ridge 66 has a substantially symmetrical profilewhen viewed in transverse cross-section. When the upper surface of thesnap ridge 66 can no longer restrain the flexible tab 58, the energythat is stored as a result of the elastic deflection of the flexible tab58 will suddenly be released, and the flexible tab 58 will resonatewithin the acoustic waveguide 78. This is heard by a consumer as adistinctive clicking sound.

The clicking sound is then funneled upwardly and amplified by theacoustic waveguide 78, which is megaphone shaped, having an upperportion 42 that is wider than the lower portion 44. The clicking soundis accordingly concentrated in a given direction and the coupling of itsenergy to the air is optimized by the acoustic waveguide 78. The audiblefeedback that is provided to the consumer when the lid body 12 hasreached the optimal predetermined position with respect to the cup body22 is thus maximized.

Preferably, the flexible tab 58 is constructed and arranged to belaterally deflected during its engagement with the snap ridge by adistance D_(LE) that is preferably substantially within a range of about1 mm to about 5.5 mm, more preferably substantially within a range ofabout 2 mm to about 4.75 mm and most preferably substantially within arange of about 3 mm to about 4 mm.

Preferably, the structure 56 for providing audible feedback in the firstlid wing 16 is synchronized with respect to that provided in the secondlid wing 18 so that the clicking sounds are simultaneous. Accordingly,the snap ridge 66 on the first cup wing 24 is preferably substantiallydiametrically opposed to the snap ridge 66 on the second cup wing 26,and the flexible tab 58 on the first lid wing 16 is substantiallydiametrically opposed to the flexible tab 58 on the second lid wing 18.Alternatively, the respective structures 56 could be slightly staggeredor offset from a precise diametric opposition so that the clickingsounds are sequential.

Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 12-20. Ineach of these embodiments, the function and purpose of the lid wings,cup wings and the visual, tactile and acoustic feedback systems issubstantially the same as described above with respect to the preferredembodiment, and differ from the preferred embodiment only in terms ofaesthetic form, the presence of additional handles and different typesof drinking mechanisms.

FIG. 12 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 90 according to a secondembodiment of the invention, in which a pair of handles 92, 94 areprovided to enhance grippability.

FIG. 13 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 96 according to a thirdembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 98, a lid body 100 and astraw deployment mechanism 102 for opening and closing a drinking straw104.

FIG. 14 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 106 according to a fourthembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 108, a lid body 110 and adrinking spout 112.

FIG. 15 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 114 according to a fifthembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 116, a lid body 118, andan integral drinking spout 120.

FIG. 16 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 122 according to a sixthembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 124, and a lid body 126having an opening on 128 defined therein for receiving a drinking straw.

FIG. 17 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 130 according to a seventhembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 134, a lid body 136having integrated handles 132 and an integrated drinking spout 138.

FIG. 18 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 140 according to an eighthembodiment of the invention, having a cup body 142, and a lid body 144having a plurality of drinking holes 146 defined therein.

FIG. 19 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 150 according to a ninthembodiment of the invention, having an insulated cup body 152, a lidbody 154 and an integrated drinking spout 156.

FIG. 20 depicts a spillproof cup assembly 160 according to a tenthembodiment of the invention, having an insulated cup body 162, a lidbody 164 and a straw deployment mechanism 166 for selectively deployinga drinking straw 168.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention tothe full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms inwhich the appended claims are expressed.

1. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly, comprising: an innersurface having at least one thread defined thereon; a rounded main body;and a first wing protruding from a first side of the main body tofacilitate gripping of the lid by a user.
 2. A lid for a spillproofdrinking assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second wingprotruding from a second portion of the main body, and wherein the firstand second wings facilitate gripping of the lid by a user.
 3. A lid fora spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 2, wherein the secondportion of the main body is a second side that is substantially oppositethe first side of the main body.
 4. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 2, wherein the second wing is substantiallysymmetrical to the first wing.
 5. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 1, wherein the first wing has a port definedtherein.
 6. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim2, wherein each of the first and second wings has a port definedtherein.
 7. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim5, further comprising structure for providing an audible feedback whenthe lid is in a predetermined position with respect to a container.
 8. Alid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 7, wherein thestructure for providing an audible feedback is mounted within the port.9. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 7,wherein the port is constructed and arranged to define an acousticwaveguide.
 10. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according toclaim 7, wherein the structure for providing an audible feedbackcomprises a flexible tab.
 11. A lid for a spillproof drinking assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the rounded main body is substantiallycircular as viewed in top plan.
 12. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a maximum lateraldimension, and the first wing extends radially outwardly from therounded main body by a first distance, and wherein a ratio of the firstdistance to the maximum lateral dimension is substantially within arange of about 0.03 to about 0.25.
 13. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of the first distanceto the maximum lateral dimension is substantially within a range ofabout 0.04 to about 0.2.
 14. A lid for a spillproof drinking assemblyaccording to claim 13, wherein the ratio of the first distance of themaximum lateral dimension is substantially within a range of about 0.05to about 0.16.
 15. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the first wing has a first maximum width as viewed inside elevation, and wherein the lid has a maximum lateral dimension, andwherein a ratio of the first maximum width to the maximum lateraldimension is substantially within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.85.16. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 15,wherein the ratio of the first maximum width to the maximum lateraldimension is substantially within a range of about 0.35 to about 0.8.17. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 16,wherein the ratio of the first maximum width to the maximum lateraldimension is substantially within a range of about 0.4 to about 0.7. 18.A lid for a child's drinking cup, comprising: a lid body; securementstructure for facilitating releasable attachment of the lid body to acup body; a drinking opening defined in the lid body for permitting thepassage of fluid through the lid body to a user for purposes ofdrinking; and an acoustic waveguide defined in the lid body fortransmitting a sound to the user.
 19. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 18, wherein the lid body is oriented in asubstantially horizontal plane, and wherein the acoustic waveguide isoriented so that is substantially normal to the horizontal plane.
 20. Alid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 19, whereinthe acoustic waveguide is substantially tapered in transversecross-section so that it has an upper portion that is substantiallybroader than a lower portion.
 21. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 18, further comprising sound generatingstructure that is substantially positioned within the acousticwaveguide.
 22. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according toclaim 18, wherein the lid body includes a main body portion and at leasta first wing portion that extends outwardly from the main body portion,and wherein the acoustic waveguide is defined in the first wing portion.23. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 22,wherein the lid body includes a second outwardly extending wing portionthat is substantially opposed to the first wing portion, and furthercomprising a second acoustic waveguide that is defined in the secondoutwardly extending wing portion.
 24. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 21, wherein the sound generating structurecomprises a flexible tab.
 25. A lid for a spillproof drinking assemblyaccording to claim 24, wherein the flexible tab is substantiallyL-shaped.
 26. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according toclaim 24, wherein the flexible tab has a hardness at room temperaturethat is substantially within a range of about 10 to about 150 RockwellR.
 27. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 26,wherein the flexible tab has a hardness at room temperature that issubstantially within a range of about 15 to about 130 Rockwell R.
 28. Alid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 27, whereinthe flexible tab has a hardness at room temperature that issubstantially within a range of about 20 to about 117 Rockwell R.
 29. Alid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 24, whereinthe flexible tab has a modulus of elasticity at room temperature that issubstantially within a range of about 0.0001 to about
 25. 30. A lid fora spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 29, wherein theflexible tab has a modulus of elasticity at room temperature that issubstantially within a range of about 15 to about
 130. 31. A lid for aspillproof drinking assembly according to claim 30, wherein the flexibletab has a modulus of elasticity at room temperature that issubstantially within a range of about 20 to about
 117. 32. A lid for aspillproof drinking assembly according to claim 24, wherein the flexibletab has a length that is substantially within a range of about 2 mm toabout 10 mm.
 33. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according toclaim 32, wherein the flexible tab has a length that is substantiallywithin a range of about 3 mm to about 9 mm.
 34. A lid for a spillproofdrinking assembly according to claim 33, wherein the flexible tab has alength that is substantially within a range of about 4 mm to about 7 mm.35. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim 24,wherein the flexible tab is constructed and arranged to be laterallydeflected by a first distance when engaging structure on a cup body, andwherein the first distance is substantially within a range of about 1 mmto about 5.5 mm.
 36. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly accordingto claim 35, wherein the first distance is substantially within a rangeof about 2 mm to about 4.75 mm.
 37. A lid for a spillproof drinkingassembly according to claim 36, wherein the first distance issubstantially within a range of about 3 mm to about 4 mm.
 38. A lid fora spillproof drinking assembly, comprising: a lid body; securementstructure for facilitating releasable attachment of the lid body to acup body; a drinking opening defined in the lid body for permitting thepassage of fluid through the lid body to a user for purposes ofdrinking; and a viewing port defined in the lid body for viewing aportion of the cup body in order to verify proper alignment of the lidbody and the cup body when the lid body is being secured to the cupbody.
 39. A lid for a spillproof drinking assembly according to claim38, wherein the lid body has a main body and at least a first wingprotruding from a first side of the main body, and wherein the viewingport is substantially defined within the first wing.
 40. A lid for aspillproof drinking assembly according to claim 39, wherein the lid bodyfurther includes a second wing protruding from a second side of the mainbody, and further comprising a second viewing port that is substantiallydefined within the second wing.